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Peru & Bolivia Explorer 21 Days Lima to La Paz
overview Day-by-day Trip Detail Dates & Prices
Tour Detail
Trip Length 21 Trip Code SA - OO - 12
Journey Starts Lima - Peru Journey Ends La Paz - Bolivia
Max. Tour Group 24 Age Range open
Min. Tour Group 10 Physical Grading 4
    Culture Shock 3
Book This Tour
 
Peru & Bolivia Explorer (21 Days) Lima to La Paz
Hotel Information
Trip joining point: Hotel Kamana - Lima
Start time day 1: 8.00am

Address: Hotel Kamana, Jr. Camana 547, Lima, Peru

Telephone: +51-1 4267204
Website: www.hotelkamana.com/
Room Type Price Description
Single £18.00 Per room
Double £21.00 Per room
Share* £11.00 Per person
Twin £21.00 Per room
Triple £25.00 Per room

*If you are travelling solo you can opt to reserve a shared room (usually a twin or triple) with other same sex travellers from your trip. We will always request this option when advised, otherwise a single room at the relevant rate will be arranged when there are no other traveller's requesting to share.

Accommodation costs for any additional nights are payable direct to the Hotel Kamana on arrival in Nuevol Sol or $US. The hotel also accepts Visa, Mastercard & Amex, but there may be a charge.


Hotel Info:

Situated in the old quarter of Town, 20mins from airport. A relaxing place to stay in Lima. Comfortable rooms and good service. Internet and bar available. Helpful reception and a good base for exploring Lima. Breakfast not included.

Transfer Costs: N/A

Transfers are free to the Kamana Hotel. You will be met at Lima Airport and transferred by a Hotel Kamana representative who will be holding an OASIS sign. Many flights into Lima arrive around midnight. If your flight arrives more than 2 hours late, or if for any reason (eg. problem with immigration or lost baggage) you are delayed by more than 2 hours before getting through to the arrivals hall, your airport transfer will not wait beyond 2 hours. If you are late you will need to phone the Hotel Kamana and they will re-send a representative, or, order a taxi from the Information Desk. The cost of a taxi or the second transfer will cost you about $US15.

On Arrival:

Pre-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers
We provide a free service for booking pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers can be reserved for your arrival into Lima.  Just log in to your account on our website & select the accommodation / transfer required, or you can contact us direct.   We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this is done ASAP after you have booked your flights and at least 6 weeks prior to your departure date as these services are subject to availability.  All prices listed for pre / post trip accommodation & airport transfers are approximate.  If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times.

Pre-trip Accommodation
Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be dorm rooms or twin/ triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability. If you are flying in early morning and you would like to check in straight away your room may have to be reserved from the night before to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times.

Post-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel. The return airport transfer is not included and is at your own expense.

Flight Information 

You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins.  Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end.  You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities.

For those booking their flights from the UK, the best is an 'open jaw' or 'multi-city' typeticket which allows you to fly into one destination and out of another.  Try airlines such as Iberia, American Airlines, KLM, British Airways and Qantas.  It is easy to find prices for flights online, through various search engines (www.opodo.co.uk or www.ebookers.co.uk are but two)and direct with airline websites. But it is worth bearing in mind that you may well be able to find a cheaper fare through a travel agent, who's experience may help with complicated itineraries and many of whom offer airline insolvency cover in the cost.  Busy months (and more expensive) are Feb / Mar, Jul / Aug and Dec, you should book as early as possible, if you are flying over these times.

One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips - we recommend that you contact us at the time of paying your balance. We will supply you with a letter confirming that you are travelling overland on the specified trip that you have booked, in case immigration or the airline queries the fact that you do not have a return flight ticket. It is also recommended that you have a copy of your payment confirmation / receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) and itinerary as further proof of booking.

 
Visa & Vaccinations 

The information below is to be used only as a guide & may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant  Embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements.

Passports
Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader. You will need at least 1 blank page per country in your passport, which must be valid for at least 9 months from your departure date. If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip.  It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant Visas you require.

Visas

Country British Australian N.Zealand S.African American Canadian
Peru  No  No No No No No
Bolivia  No  No  No  Yes*  US$135  No

* =    We recommend obtaining this visa before travel.  Price varies.

On arrival to countries in South America, you will be given an 'Immigration card'.  It is important that you keep this with your passport during your entire stay in the particular country as it is needed for departure.  Failure to produce this immigration slip can result in a fine.

For more Visa information please visit www.projectvisa.com

Updated USA visa information in effect as of 12 January 2009.The US government has announced that as of 12 Jan 09 a new online system known as Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) that is part of the visa waiver programme (VWP) will become mandatory. To apply for authorization to travel to or via the US (even on transit) under the VWP, travellers will have to log on to the ESTA web based system and complete an application online providing biographical & eligibility information. In most cases, ESTA will provide an almost immediate determination of eligibility to travel under the VWP.

If your country does not appear on the Visa Waiver Program list below, you will need to apply for a visa to the US before flying out to join your tour. More information can be found at: Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk; U.S State Department travel advice: www.travel.state.gov or www.usembassy.org.uk

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are; United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

If your nationality does not participate in the VWP, check the US State Dept website for your visa requirements and how to apply. Failure to determine your eligibility for travel under the Visa Waiver Program or to apply for a visa to travel to the US will result in you being denied by airlines and or the US government to travel to or via the United States.

Vaccinations and Health

As we are not medically trained - we are unable to advise on vaccination requirements, so please use this information and chart only as a guide.  Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice on any medical issues. We suggest allowing 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations. For more information visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.nomadtravel.co.uk  Oasis travellers receive a 10% discount on vaccinations, medical kits, clothing and camping equipment from the Nomad Travel Clinic - you will receive your discount code on your booking receipt.

Country Tetanus Polio Hep A Typhoid Meningitis Y. Fever
Peru Y Y Y Y Y Y*
Bolivia Y Y Y Y Y Y*

There are other vaccines not listed here which are sometimes recommended - please see a registered GP or Travel Health clinic for further advice. (Cholera , Diphtheria (all countries advise) , Hep B, Rabies ) etc.

KEY:
Y    = Advised
Y*  = Advised if visiting Jungle (but medical advice varies - please consult your travel clinic or GP)

Yellow Fever
Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in some countries we visit, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country.

Rabies
Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.

Malaria
In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers.  Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.   Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change.  It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave.  This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Medical advice should be taken particularly if you are visiting the jungle in either Ecuador or Peru, the Brazilian Pantanal or Iguazu Falls in either Argentina or Brazil as part of your trip.

Altitude sickness
This is caused by thin air and can affect anyone arriving at high altitude (above 3000 metres). The symptoms are headaches, dizziness, shortage of breath and possibly nausea. To avoid this or alleviate the symptoms rest for a few hours, and avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, large meals, and take it easy for at least 24 hours and drink plenty of water.
As we are travelling mostly by land (as opposed to flying into a high altitude location) we should acclimatise gradually, and so avoid 'soroche', mountain sickness.

Dengue
Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night.  There is no vaccine available.

Health
To join our trips you should be in good general health.  Your medical insurance co' must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/

TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is compulsory requirement before joining any tour that you are insured against personal accident, medical and repatriation expenses. We can organise travel insurance for you if you wish. Please consult us or our website for details.

Payment - Please include the full payment of the insurance policy you require along with your deposit. You can do this by submitting your card details on the payments section of our website at the same time as you're booking details. We can only issue travel insurance upon receiving full payment for the policy.

Whichever policy you decide to take out - please read the small print. Please ensure that when calculating the amount of time you need insurance cover for - that you include your outward and return flight in the overall period of travel - or else your policy may be invalid.

Repatriation - check your policy make sure you are repatriated in case of an accident to your county of choice, - E.g. If you are an Australian resident and take out cover with us for travel to Africa or Asia and either you or a close relative at home become seriously ill whilst you're travelling, you will only be repatriated to the Australia and NOT to the UK.  You would have to arrange your own onward travel from the UK.

NB. It is advisable to take out travel insurance at the time of booking as most policies cover you for cancellation and curtailment from the date the policy is issued. This means that should you have to cancel your trip for a number of reasons (read the policy wording to see what is covered) you may be able to claim some or all of your money back. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Your Tour Leader will ask to see a copy of your Insurance details at the beginning of your trip - especially details of the Insurers 24hr Emergency phone number and your policy number. Please also be aware that it is your responsibility to ensure you are fully covered for the correct regions that you are travelling through.

IMPORTANT:  It is advisable to take out travel insurance at the time of booking as most policies cover you for personal cancellation and curtailment from the date the policy is issued. This means that should you have to cancel your trip for a number of reasons (read the policy wording to see what is covered) you may be able to claim some or all of your money back.

NOTE: If you are interested in extra insurance cover for your photographic equipment - please contact us and we will send you out a brochure.
 
Money & Budgets 

Local Payment (LP)
LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to South America to pay for a variety of your day-to-day local costs which cannot be pre-paid from the UK. It is a guaranteed amount, set before your trip departs, and unlike 'group kitty' systems we will not ask you to contribute more once the trip is underway.

Please note: Your LP is payable to your Tour Leader on the morning of departure in US$ Dollars CASH ONLY. Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks. Do not bring all of your Local Payment in US$100 notes and please make sure that they are post 1996 and not of a serial number starting with CB.

Spending Money
From past trips and traveller feedback US$200 per week should cover costs such as visas, most meals, soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person.Budget on optional activities separately (see optional excursions page) & allow extra for your Local Payment contribution. There is mostly a departure tax payable in the airport, so allow up to US$60 for this (figure includes internal and international flights).

Changing money

Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureau's.  It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means.  It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.

How to bring your currency?

As a general rule it is best to bring your money as 2/3rds US$ cash & 1/3rd in US$ or £GB Travellers Cheques (TC's). Euros are also becoming more widely accepted.  US dollars dated pre-1996, old, marked or damaged notes and serial numbers starting CB are not accepted in South America, so please ensure your notes are dated 1997 onward & Scottish pounds are also not accepted.  It can be difficult using US$100 bills so if possible, bring US$50 bills or lower.

Visas need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!

Travellers Cheques (TC's)
- as well as debit / credit cards can attract 2 to 8 % commission. The use of TC's overseas can be frustrating but at the same time worthwhile as they can be replaced in an incidence of loss or theft.  

Credit & Debit Cards - a combination of several types are suggested as not all types are accepted in all places. Visa & Maestro are best, MasterCard has limited access through parts of Peru & Bolivia. Over the counter cash advances can be expensive, time consuming and should not be relied upon - you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card.

ATM's - Some smaller towns may not have ATM's, but large cities generally do have. www.visa.com or www.mastercard.com can give a general idea of locations of ATM's around the world - but please do not rely on this means alone to obtain local cash, please only use as a guide - things change, and ATM's don't always work!
Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.

Tipping is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities.  Some countries also charge an extra Government tax.  Your Tour Leader will usually be able to help you with any queries regarding this. 
In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew.  Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated with a thank you for hard work and good service - even if it is just verbally. Although a tip is not expected by either Oasis or our Crew if you have had a great trip and feel you would like to show your appreciation by leaving your crew a tip - an amount of $1 a day  has been recommended to us by some past customer feedback.

Please be aware that tipping and the amount you tip is entirely up to you individually and always your choice.

Stuff to buy
South America is famous for many great items from wooden carvings, woven and knitted items such as hats and gloves and ponchos. There are also great opportunities to purchase jewellery, leather wear through to woollen items in most of the countries we travel through.  It is possible to post things home from several of the major cities we visit.

As an Oasis traveller you can get a 10% discount at Tatoo Outdoor Gear Shops in Quito, Lima, La Paz & Santiago (cash sales only) on production of your oasis Overland booking confirmation receipt. www.tatoo.ws (Their website is in Spanish, but it gives some idea of the items available - please note, not all items stocked in all stores)

Become part of the "Souvenir Alert " Campaign - and think before you buy.  Check that your purchased goods are not breaking the law and endangering wildlife, or your souvenirs may be confiscated by customs on your return. www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/CITES/

Climate 

You will experience a varying degree of climatic changes at any time of year, from freezing temperatures (down to as cold as minus -15°C) in the Andes, to scorching heat in the desert and heavy downpours in the jungle (up to as hot and humid as 47°C and 90% humidity).

The rains in the Andes usually occur between November and April.  This means downpours once or twice a day with the rest of the day usually warm and sunny, although there will also be times where it may not rain at all for a week or so.  April to October is the dry season with clear views of the mountains.  It is hot during the day but extremely cold at night with temperatures often well below zero.  You will be spending a lot of time at altitude where nights can be very cold at any time of year.

The deserts in Chile can also be cold during the night but can be very hot during the day particularly between October and May.  The Amazon Jungle is very hot with high humidity plus regular downpours of rain usually year-round.

What To Take 

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much gear.  Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week.  You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: use the climate guide above (remember, nights are cold in deserts and the mountains).  Make sure that you bring your gear in a 70 - 90 L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable.

Equipment Toiletries - Most available to buy on trip
  • Sleeping Bag - 4 season bag, (can be hired for Inca Trail, but most people prefer to bring their own) & sleep sheet
  • Foam sleeping mat or thermarest & repair kit
  • Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items
  • Soft rucksack or holdall (NOT rigid suitcase)
  • Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser
  • Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses
  • Tampons (can buy in most places)
  • Contraception
Clothes Personal Effects
  • One pair of trainers or boots
  • Sandals / flip flops / jandals / thongs
  • Underwear / socks
  • T shirts / shirts
  • Shorts / swimwear
  • Jeans / trousers / jog pants / leggings
  • Skirt or dress
  • Sweat shirt / jumper
  • Jacket / fleece & waterproof jacket
  • Camera with protective case, spare batteries, film / memory card
  • Torch & spare batteries (head torch is best)
  • Alarm clock
  • Travel adaptor plug / charger (for cameras & mobile phone batteries)
  • Money belt
  • Personal stereo -  CD / iPod / MP3 etc
  • Towel & / or sarong
Recommended Medical Kit List
  • Antiseptic ointment / Antihistamine cream & tablets
  • Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer
  • Eye-drops / bath
  • Anti-diarrhoea treatment
  • A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular)
  • Medication for personal allergies / asthma etc
  • Insect repellent containing Deet
  • Re-hydration sachets / vitamin tablets
  • Assorted plasters
  • 1 - 2 Sterile syringes
  • Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery

Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.

Photography And Electrical 

Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras)
An easy to use 'point and press' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip!  Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/ internet sites - but don't rely on it.
We recommend you bring:

  • Strong bag / carry case to protect the camera - zip lock / plastic bags are useful for dusty / sandy conditions
  • Spare / extra batteries
  • Polarizing Filter / Lens Hood for SLR's - this will help to minimise the washed out effect from very brought sunlight
  • Film - this is getting harder to find and may well be out of date or expensive
  • Memory / Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted) - again this could be hard to find
  • USB cable - to connect in internet cafes or for downloading

Photography no no's!!
It is forbidden in all the countries we visit to take photos of anything military.  Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film / camera confiscated by irate officials. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people (especially in areas of poverty) - if in doubt it is always better to ask first before you snap away!

Electrical charging & power supply
It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider a 12V in-car charger (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter charger sockets - truck trips only) or bring along your 230v mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.

NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.

Log onto www.kropla.com  for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.
 
Life On The Road 

Tour Leader
We have one Tour Leader on this tour whose duties are extensive & quite demanding. From organising accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, pre-booking some excursions and guides, to finding the best deals, socializing & making sure all runs as smoothly as possible. While your leader is experienced and knowledgeable about the regions that we travel through they are not tour guides as such. The diversity and extent of the history and cultures in this region is vast.  In most historical areas we visit there are trained guides, who offer their services; they have spent many years, and have vast experience at particular sites.

Accommodation

We use a mixture of hotels and guesthouses along the way using shared rooms (between 2 people of the same sex from your trip) unless you are a couple or you have requested a specific type of room.  It must be remembered that the Hotels we use are an integral part of Peru & Bolivia and can suffer from common problems that can affect all levels of hotels such as, electrical failure, plumbing faults and other technical difficulties and hot water may occasionally be temperamental if a lot of people are using the showers at the same time. This is a possibility throughout all classes of hotels

During the four days Inca Trail hike we camp. Tents are provided and sleeping bags can be hired (see Inca Trail section for more information on the various hikes).

Meals
All breakfasts are included whilst on tour plus all meals on the Inca Trek and your Lake Titicaca overnight stay (19 Day Peru Encompassed and 21 day Peru and Bolivia Explorer trip only). We find that most people appreciate sampling the culinary tastes of South America and class this as one of their favourite pastimes. This is why we don't include every meal - allowing each person the chance to try out some of the local cuisine from markets, restaurants & cafes. At times your Tour Leader may organize a group meal - which is another good way to sample some of the local and international delicacies.

Vegetarians / Vegans - Our Tour Leader will always do their best to cater for Vegetarians, Vegans or any other dietary requirements whenever possible, but it must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require or would miss from home, it would be best to bring it with you.

Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that the vegetarian concept, while often not new, is still alien & often incomprehensible to many local people and you will often be offered fish or chicken in error.  Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice for vegetarians but please be aware that you will not receive the variety or quantity of dishes available to meat eaters.

Transport
We use a mixture of public buses and trains and we also take several internal flights between cities allowing you more time to explore.

Contact Home 

The most reliable way to receive messages from friends and family is via email.  This is quite common place in many areas that we visit, but the efficiency or speed of connection is never a guarantee!  You will usually be able to email once a week or so on average, depending on which countries you visit.   Telephone calls can be expensive, and the cheapest option is to buy a phone card for each country you visit. Internet access costs around US$1 to US$2 per half hour.  There is also the opportunity to use Skype in some areas.

Language
Spanish is spoken widely in South America, apart from Brazil which is Portuguese.  You will find that trying to learn a few words and pleasantries will add tremendously to your enjoyment of the trip and your interaction with the local people.  It may even be worth thinking about arriving early and joining one of our Spanish Schools (see our website Add On section).

Security 

All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities!) and sensible precautions need to be taken.  Wearing expensive looking jewellery / watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary attention to yourself.  Leave valuables such as passports, excess money etc in your hotel safe / safety deposit box (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag.  Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful & we would suggest that it is better to be in a group.

Oasis does not take responsibility for client's personal items and we advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey.

Responsible Travel 
Before you go
  • Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.

  • Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.
  • Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history / culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.

  • Why not pack some pens / pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away.

  • Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip.


While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and a manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.

  • Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit.
  • Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.

  • Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.
  • Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.
  • Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you.

  • Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.

  • Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.

  • Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and amke sure it is never near, (at least 30m) from a water source.

  • When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.
  • Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.
  • Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.

  • Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the ares and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.

  • For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Other Information 
The Inca Trail
We INCLUDE the cost of trekking to Machu Picchu in ALL our trips that visit Peru.
We offer 3 routes - Classic, Lares, and Salkantay - (subject to season and availability), all accompanied by knowledgeable guides and porters.

Our first choice trek is the Classic trail. As availability is limited we will move quickly after booking to obtain you a permit where possible. When the Classic trail is not available, we will arrange the Lares trail at no extra charge (subject to minimum 2 people). If you wish to trek either the Lares or Salkantay by choice, you must let us know at the time of booking, and an additional fee may be payable. All of the treks visit Machu Picchu for the day. For more information more about the treks including maps please click here for more information on three routes and treks:
Classic   Lares   Salkantay

Train Only
For those who don't fancy trekking at all, there is the option of taking the train to Aguas Calientes, staying overnight in a simple hotel, and heading up to nearby Machu Picchu the next day. This option gives you an extra two nights in Cusco, where we will provide accommodation.

 
 
 
 
 
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